Be wary of unlicensed health professionals

Florida's "Unlicensed Activity Unit" has shut down more than 120 unlicensed operations in the past two years.

Thursday, February 21st 2019, 8:09 PM EST by Ben Henry

You might have seen an unlicensed health professional before and not even known it. Thankfully for Floridians, there is one-of-a-kind team dedicated to cracking down on unlicensed medical operations and facilities.

The "Unlicensed Activity Unit" is the only one in the country, according to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). Working with the FDOH and law enforcement, the unit has shut down more than 120 unlicensed operations from 2017 and 2018.

During that time, hundreds of complaints were filed. Of them, 21 were made against mental health counselors.

Yet Florida has one of the oldest and strictest licensing processes in the country, according to Florida Gulf Coast University's (FGCU) Marieb College of Health & Human Services. Some practices slip through the cracks and provide unlicensed care. In those two years ('17-'18), there were 12 cease-and-desist orders issued for mental health care.

"It's appropriate for someone who is going to see a counselor to ask the questions, 'Where did you go to school? What is your degree in? Are you licensed?'" said Dr. Abbe Finn, who is with the college at FGCU.

The bar is set high for future caregivers, said the dean of the Marieb College of Health & Human Services, Dr. Madelyn Isaacs.

"We take that seriously because [it's] our ethical obligation, our moral obligation and our obligation as a university, that is funded by the state, to provide the highest quality services to members of the community," she said.

There are other ways to check the legitimacy of a caregiver. Those seeking medical help can check for licensing and file a complaint with FDOH here.